Drug driver among the 44 offenders caught during three-day HGV operation

More than 40 motorists were caught breaking the law thanks to an unmarked heavy goods vehicle (HGV) during a three-day operation on the M4 in Wiltshire.

One driver, who was initially stopped for not being in proper control of his vehicle, now faces the prospect of losing his licence after officers made a significant discovery.

Upon returning to Badbury Weighbridge, officers noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from his van and the driver was arrested on suspicion of drug driving as he failed a roadside breath test. He has been released under investigation.

The three-day operation was carried out using Operation Tramline HGV cabs. These are unmarked vehicles owned by National Highways for use by police forces to patrol motorways and major A-roads across the country.

PC Luke Hobbs, from Wiltshire's Roads Policing Unit, said: "Cases like this prove how offences which, on the surface, may seem minor can often reveal a pattern of serious criminality.

"Operation Tramline gives us the advantage of being able to effectively police every driver on the motorway."

The operation runs multiple times a year and aims to target drivers who commit any of the fatal five offences, which are: driving while using a mobile phone, drink/drug driving, driving at excess speed, failing to wear a seat belt and careless driving.

HGV drivers were the most common offenders and the most common offence detected during the operation was drivers not wearing seat belts.

These offenders were given an on-the-spot £100 Fixed Penalty Notice and offered strong words of advice about the importance of the simple safety measure.

Data published by the government earlier this year revealed that from 2018 to 2022, 24 per cent of people who died in a car crash were not wearing a seat belt.

PC Hobbs added: "We often get asked why not wearing a seat belt is such a big deal.

"The reality is that you are far more likely to be seriously injured - or die - if you crash while not wearing one, whether you're driving or a passenger."

"We encourage drivers to think about the consequences not just for themselves but the family they will leave behind when they decide to take the massive and unnecessary risk of not wearing a seat belt."

Other notable incidents that occurred during December's Operation Tramline included supporting Tactical Pursuit And Containment manoeuvres and temporarily closing the M4 to rescue a swan.

National Highways Engineering Team Manager for Road Safety, Jack Mason, said: “We know that the majority of people who use our roads do so safely and legally, but there is a small minority who will put themselves and others at risk.

“Through Operation Tramline, and working closely with our police partners, we want to encourage motorists to think carefully about their driving behaviours.

“Thanks to the elevated position in the HGV, officers can see into all vehicles. So those who don’t drive safely and legally should be aware that they may very well be spotted and face the consequences.”